Volunteers

Criminal Background Screening

Criminal background investigations will be conducted prior to selecting staff members/volunteers. Such investigations will be conducted regardless of the position sought and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Each staff member/volunteer, as a condition of continued service, consents to future criminal background investigations as deemed appropriate by the CEO and upon request will be required to complete criminal background consent forms authorizing Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan to conduct such investigations.
No prospective staff member/volunteer will be permitted to work with a minor until the criminal background investigation is complete.
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For the purposes of this policy the term “volunteer” will be defined as any person applying for or currently serving in the following capacities:
 Leaders and Co-Leaders
 Day Camp Adult Volunteers
 Mackinac Island Governor's Honor Guard Volunteer Director and other MIGHG Adult Volunteers
 Area Managers and Area Management Team Members
 Board Members
 Nominating Committee Members
 National Council Delegates/Alternates (girls excepted)
Automatic disqualification or termination of any persons covered under this policy will occur whenever it is found that he/she has committed a crime against a child or dependent adult, has been convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence in the past ten years, or has committed any violent crime in the past ten years.
The CEO shall have the absolute and exclusive discretion to make decisions for any other questionable behavior or criminal offenses, regardless of whether the crime is classified as a felony or as a misdemeanor. These incidents will be evaluated on the basis of consultation with appropriate professionals and the following factors:
 The relationship between the incident and the type of employment or service that the applicant will provide.
 The applicant’s employment or volunteer history before and after the incident.
 The applicant’s efforts and success at rehabilitation.
 The likelihood that the incident would prevent the applicant from performing his or her responsibilities in a manner consistent with the safety and welfare of the members served by the agency.
 The circumstances and/or factors indicating the incident is likely to be repeated.
 The nature, severity, number, and consequences of the incidents disclosed.
 The circumstances surrounding each incident, including contributing societal or environmental conditions.
 The age of the individual at the time of the incident.
 The amount of time elapsed since the incident occurred.
 Or any other factors deemed relevant.
Volunteers are required to report to the Membership Department any arrests that occur while serving as an appointed operational volunteer for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan.